Castiglione Jewelers

CASTIGLIONE JEWELERS
NOTES 70 YEARS OF SUCCESS

Perhaps you've heard the story before. It was 1929 and Lou Castiglione, Sr. started his business with just $75.00 in his pocket. Of that amount, $50.00 went to pay the first month's rent and the remainder was used to buy inventory.

It was a time when fire trucks went down Main Street drawn by horses, and trolleys were considered modern transportation. It was a time when a young Italian immigrant really had to fight to overcome prejudice and financial hardship. It was a time when it was not acceptable to be Italian, so even the family name was 'Americanized' to fit in. Today, many Italian-Americans call Castiglione's to ask why the traditional pronunciation is not used. It was the year that the depression began. It was a time when things were not going very well for businesses in general. It was also the beginning of a very long and successful story that would stretch on for 70 years.

Today the Castiglione family of Lou, Sr, his wife and business partner Anita and their son Lou, Jr operates one of the most successful jewelry businesses in the Capital District area. Lady Luck smiled on them you might say. But the stories that make up this family's history tell otherwise. It takes more than good luck to build a reputable business, in a business that succeeds by creating and caring for a person's most personal and prized possessions. Whether it's a brand new engagement ring that comes in for a cleaning or a family heirloom that needs major repairs, trust and quality are tantamount to success.

The difference according to Lou, Jr is that'We're jewelers, not jewelry merchandisers" Castiglione's expertise includes design and creation and it is one of only 15 fully equipped gem laboratories statewide. In addition to being an accredited Gem Lab, he is also a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, the highest title awarded by the American Gem Society. 'That accreditation and certification adds to the trust factor that is so important to a customer who is leaving his or her family heirloom with us to be repaired, or refinished," he said. It does not mean that everything they sell in the store and every repair that they perform falls into the "very expensive" category. Whether your budget is $25 or $25,000 the quality and value are still the same.

Not every Jeweler can claim to have the world as his shopping ground. For the Castiglione family, it is certainly true. For years, they have traveled to the far corners of the world to bring back the rarest of gems. From Japan to Australia, from Belgium to Brazil, no destination is too far when it comes to searching for that perfect gem- the gem that could be the centerpiece of your next family heirloom.

Castiglione's customers also collect treasures other than jewelry and their value is just as significant. You will find Lladro, Hummel, Swarovski and Disney collectible Figurines .. each unique piece commemorating a special event, each piece telling a special story. Silver, crystal, music boxes, Bulova Clocks...each gift just waiting for a home and waiting to begin a collection to be treasured and enjoyed for generations 'These gifts are not going to be out of style in the next several years," said Castiglione. 'They are truly pieces to be collected, handed down and admired for generations to come."

"Our most important job is to help our customers find an enduring symbol to mark the most important occasion in their lives," says Castiglione. "Whether it's a $10.00 sterling charm, a porcelain collectible or a diamond engagement ring, our value and quality are unmatched."

Attention to detail, honesty, quality, value, superior craftsmanship... for 70 years they have been the cornerstone of Castiglione Jewelers. They are the qualities that mark the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. Come see for yourself!

Portraits 1999
The Leader-Herald